Mathematics University of Virginia

Teaching Information

Students in their first year are teaching assistants, and typically lead discussion sections for courses such as Multivariable Calculus, Transition to Higher Mathematics, or Basic Real Analysis, and sometimes also serve as graders. These assignments are expected to take about 10 hours per week. First year students have a teaching orientation the week before classes begin, and take MATH 7000 (Seminar on College Teaching) in the fall semester to help introduce them to the teaching experience.

Students in their second year and beyond typically teach their own sections of Calculus courses, and these assignments usually take 15-20 hours per week, depending on the course. These courses are closely coordinated by faculty members, and have common syllabi and exams. Graduate instructors for these courses have an orientation and regular meetings with their coordinators.

Every student gets two semesters without teaching on our usual fellowship support. A small number of students may also be supported through university fellowships, outside fellowships, and research grants.

There are some opportunities for teaching other courses, such as Financial Mathematics, in later years in the program. Students can also participate in programs through the Center for Teaching Excellence. Outside of their regular teaching responsibilities, some students also engage in teaching-related activities through the Directed Reading Program, Math Circles, and summer REU programs.

Departmental Contacts

Director of Graduate Studies:   Thomas Koberda

Here are this year’s course coordinators and GTA Committee Chair:

Teaching Collab Site

Jim Rolf runs the Math GTA Resources collab site of which each of you should be a member. This has old exams, lesson plans, and tips for running your courses.

Graduate program